Mississippi sports betting is legal - but bettors who want to play online will find their options heavily restricted. Here is a detailed update on the latest state of play when it comes to Mississippi betting online.
You can expect the biggest names in online sports betting to be licensed and legal in Mississippi. These operators will bring you the latest in betting features, exciting promotions and mobile app platforms. Given the current legislation, it looks like 2024 will be the earliest Mississippi betting will go live online.
Our staff of veteran gambling reporters keeps you up-to-date with the latest Mississippi sports betting news. We pride ourselves on bringing you breaking news and analysis of all developments in the world of online sports betting.
Sports fans who want to enjoy Mississippi online betting will currently find their options strictly limited. The only way you can place online wagers is by traveling to a casino and accessing an online sportsbook through your mobile device. When BetMGM went live in September 2021, it became the first online sportsbook in Mississippi that can be used in this way.
Attempts to push forward and legalize sports betting online across the state were foundered in early 2022. The earliest this situation can change is 2023, and clearly, there remains some opposition to the move. However, the legalization of online sports betting in neighboring states may deliver a significant impact on takings at Mississippi casinos; that may in turn lead to an acceptance of the desirability of creating an online betting market in Mississippi.
If and when online betting becomes fully legal in Mississippi, here is a selection of the leading brands you can expect to be granted licenses to operate across the Magnolia State.
DraftKings is a brand that has evolved shrewdly since its days as merely a top provider of Daily Fantasy Sports contests. It is now widely regarded as one of the leading players in any state where online sports betting is permitted. The operator offers an extensively user-friendly wagering experience and a broad range of sports to bet on. It already has a presence in Mississippi, where it provides the retail sportsbook at the Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort.
FanDuel is live in numerous states where wagering is fully legal - and it provides an outstanding experience in each of them. This is a brand that has built superbly on the launchpad created by its excellence in the Daily Fantasy Sports space. It now appears at or near the top for handle in virtually all the states where it is live, a status justified by the all-around excellence of its features and user experience. It already operates retail books in MS at the IP Casino and Sam's Town Casino.
BetMGM is unique in that it is so far the only operator allowed to operate Mississippi sports betting online. However, the significant catch is that you must visit one of the MGM casinos located in the state to access the online sportsbook. These properties include the Beau Rivage Resort in Biloxi and the Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica. The bookmaker has leveraged its expertise in casinos to create an excellent sportsbook that is highly respected in several states where it is live.
Caesars is arguably the most famous name in the world of American casinos. It has embraced the opportunity given by the legalization of sports betting to create a superb sportsbook that is now available in several states. You can bet at several retail locations on casino grounds in Mississippi, including the Treasure Bay Casino in Biloxi. If and when the online sportsbook goes live here, visitors will find an outstanding choice of sports, bonuses and promotions.
Retail sports betting is legal in Mississippi and has been since the summer of 2018. This was the year in which the US Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), a decision that opened the door for states to open legal sports betting markets if they so desired.
Mississippi had already investigated the feasibility of online gambling with the creation of an internet gaming task force in 2014. Then in 2017, the Fantasy Contest Act, which legalized DFS games in the state, modified some of the conditions of the 1990 Mississippi Gaming Control Act. This left the way clear in August 2018 for the Mississippi Gaming Commission to authorize retail locations to allow sports betting on their premises.
There are now about two dozen casinos and other locations where you can place a sports bet in person in Mississippi. However, BetMGM is the sole online MS betting site operating in the state so far - and you can place a sports bet through it only if you are physically located at a BetMGM casino.
In states where both retail and online wagering is permitted, the number of bets placed remotely massively outnumbers those carried out in person. People love the convenience of betting from home, work, or on the go - and that means that mobile betting is now incredibly popular.
If Mississippi online sportsbooks are allowed to set up shop here, they will facilitate mobile wagering as quickly as possible. Virtually every leading online gambling firm has developed a mobile sports betting app. If statewide Mississippi mobile betting is given the green light, there will be a host of mobile apps available to enable the people of the Magnolia State to wager on their favorite teams and sports - wherever they are located.
Mississippi is one of the many states that is not home to any professional team in the big four sports: football, basketball, baseball, and hockey. However, that does not prevent sports fans among the three million residents of the Magnolia State from following avidly the top-level action in pro sports, as well as leading college teams based in the state.
If the chance arises to place mobile wagers or visit online sites, you can be sure there will be a hearty appetite to wager on the following sports.
College sports generate enormous interest among fans across the USA. Mississippi has several notable programs and teams, including the Ole Miss Rebels and the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Both teams play in the FBS, the highest level of college football in the country, draw big crowds to their games and will generate significant online betting interest if wagers on college sports are permitted.
Football is the leading sport in the USA, with millions of fans devoted to the game from coast to coast. It also generates serious betting interest; the Super Bowl is widely believed to be the biggest annual sports betting event on the calendar. The NFL offers numerous opportunities to wager on games throughout the regular season and the playoffs.
Across the world, basketball is one of the leading sports from a wagering perspective. Fans love the opportunity to bet on this high-scoring, fast-moving game - and the many breaks in play encourage in-running wagers. The NBA is, of course, the world's top league, and it generates huge interest through the regular season and the NBA Finals.
Baseball's long history ensures it retains a place close to the heart of American sports fans. Bettors love it too for the extensive opportunities it delivers for wagering both before and during games. Baseball will always have a high profile in the USA, from spring training through the long regular season and all the way to the World Series.
Hockey has become a genuinely coast-to-coast sport in recent decades. Expansion teams have moved into states not previously associated with the game, and as a result, there are plenty of hockey fans to be found in every state. Hockey is another sport that offers numerous ways to get involved through wagering, particularly on-point spreads, totals or props.
There may be no big four teams in Mississippi itself - but they are two premier collegiate programs in the Magnolia State.
The University of Mississippi or more commonly known as Ole Miss has been a stalwart SEC challenger with 3 national titles in program history With current head coach and offensive guru Lane Kiffin in tow, the Rebels are coming off of a 10-3 season in 2021 and a Sugar Bowl appearance. On the hardwood, The Rebels are led by Kermit Davis and are trying to make the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2019.
The other major collegiate program in Mississippi is Mississippi State. The Bulldogs are led by the mastermind behind the 'Air Raid' offense in Mike Leach. The Bulldogs have only won the SEC once in 1998. Under the tutelage of head coach Ben Howland, the Bulldogs basketball team has been a constant contender to make some noise in the tournament.
There may be no big four teams in Mississippi itself - but there are plenty of leading sides in neighboring states that draw considerable support from the Magnolia State. When Mississippi sports betting goes live, these are the teams you will want to place your bets on!
The Saints have generated passionate support from New Orleans and beyond since 1967. Their only Super Bowl triumph, in 2010, was an emotional occasion that for many epitomized the city's recovery from the ravages of Hurricane Katrina.
The Titans have been in Tennessee since 1997, and have built up a dedicated following since. Their closest brush with Super Bowl glory was in 2000 when their final drive finished one yard short in a clash with the St Louis Rams.
Memphis bestrides the border between Mississippi and Tennessee, so it's no wonder so many MS fans pull for the Grizzlies. Located in Memphis since 2001, the Grizzlies have strengthened in recent seasons and were divisional champs in 2022.
At the other end of the state, the proximity of the Pels ensures many Mississippi folks root for them, hoping they can add to their single divisional title from 2008. They would assuredly place sports bets on their games if they could.
The Braves have been in Atlanta since 1966 and have twice brought World Series glory to the city - most recently in 2021. If the Mississippi sports betting laws are changed soon, there will be plenty of mobile sports bets on the Braves from MS.
The history of the Cards dates way back to 1882. This is one of the most famous teams in Major League, ensuring they have fans far and wide. Those fans have enjoyed no fewer than 11 World Series wins, the most recent in 2011.
Founded in 1967, the Blues draw support from far and wide - including among many hockey fans in Mississippi. The Blues have been a strong side in recent seasons, capped in 2018-19 when they won the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time.
Nashville has been home to top-level hockey action since 1998. The Preds have yet to lift the Stanley Cup, though they made it all the way to the final in 2017 before losing to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
If regulated online sports betting in Mississippi goes live, and operators begin to take bets online, the competition for custom is sure to be fierce. One potent weapon deployed by companies that offer sports betting in the battle for clients is promotions. There are several types of bonuses that can give sports bettors so much extra value as they enjoy their remote wagering experience. Be sure to look for these Mississippi betting promos on the recommended operator sites and apps.
Many leading online sports betting sites offer a risk-free bet as a welcome offer to greet new customers. This is a simple and easily understood bonus that gets your relationship with a sportsbook off to a pleasant start. If your first bet wins, you pick up your return as normal. But if it loses, your stake is returned to you as a free bet - sometimes up to a limit of $1,000 or more.
One type of welcome bonus that adds serious power to your new betting account is a deposit match. However much you place in your new account, the sportsbook will add to it. On some occasions, this will be by 100 percent, meaning your balance is effectively doubled instantly. Always check the terms and conditions, though, to ensure you get the most from your offer.
Customer acquisition is a serious business for all legal online sports betting companies - and they love it when you help them to add to their customer base. So much so that there is often a referral bonus on offer. If one of your buddies signs up for a new account on your recommendation, you should receive a bonus, usually in the form of a free bet that can be worth up to $100.
Regular customers enjoy odds boosts because they ensure that your return on a particular bet could be much higher than expected. Odds boosts are offered regularly by the best sportsbooks; some even have a dedicated section on their home page to showcase the enhanced prices for that day. The boost should show the original odds too, so that you can see how much of a boost has been applied.
Parlays are a hugely popular way of betting. The reward on offer can be substantial, in that you could get a handsome return from a small stake if all your selections are correct and the odds multiply. However, the risk is that if any of those picks let you down, you end up with nothing. With parlay insurance, however, if just one of your selections is a loser and the others all win, you get your initial stake back as a free bet.
If the sports betting laws concerning Mississippi sports betting change, there should be a healthy selection of sportsbooks offering the opportunity to enjoy sports gambling. How do you choose from the various betting sites on offer to ensure you register with a company most appropriate to your style of wagering? There are several factors that should be taken into account when making such a decision.
Most of the operators that are allowed to offer online betting in Mississippi in the future will have extensive experience in trading in various other states. There are plenty of locations online where customers of those sportsbooks are happy to share their experiences, both positive and negative. We will also be carrying in-depth, expert reviews of every operator licensed by the Mississippi Gaming Commission.
There are a host of ways in which you can place a wager on a sporting event, many of which are explained below. The best mobile betting companies will enable you to bet in your favorite way by offering a broad selection of markets on each game. They will also, it must be said, have a rich choice of sports so that you can be sure your favorite team or league appears on the list of available bets.
As you become more experienced in mobile sports betting, you may begin to appreciate the value of getting the best odds on every bet you place. If you backed a winner at +140 and your buddy placed the same bet at +160, it takes the shine off your victory. Operators that offer ultra-competitive odds, either on particular sports or across the board, score highly with reviewers and regular bettors.
The opportunity to take advantage of a generous welcome offer should be automatic at any leading sportsbook. However, there should be regular chances to get extra value and rewards on an ongoing basis. These could come in the form of odds boosts, free bets, reduced-juice hours, or even promotions around particular sporting events. What matters is that you feel valued and rewarded as a loyal customer.
You can have all the great odds, bonuses and markets in the world, but if placing your wager is a slow and frustrating process, all that good work can be undone. Leading sites invest considerably in making their online and mobile betting experience as enjoyable as possible. As well as being quick and easy to use, any platform should be well designed so that you can navigate easily from page to page.
We all have a preferred method of moving our money around online. Ideally, your chosen book should enable you to deposit funds and withdraw them, in that way. Most operators have a broad selection of banking methods - including debit and credit cards, bank transfers, e-wallets, and prepaid cards - but always check that you will be able to put money into your account, and withdraw it, quickly and easily.
Ideally, you don't want to have to contact your MS sportsbook. But if a question, issue or dispute arises, you want it to be addressed and resolved as quickly as possible. There should be several ways of contacting the customer support team, including telephone, email, 24/7 live chat and even a comprehensive FAQ section.
Should the opportunity arrive for you to wager through mobile apps in Mississippi, there is nothing to say you have to sign up with just one sportsbook. Indeed, there are many reasons why you should open several accounts to make sure you are getting the best Mississippi sports betting experience possible.
If you have more than one legal Mississippi sportsbook account, you will be able to compare lines and odds on particular events. You will be able to work out which operators offer the best margins or prices at certain times of day - and you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you are getting the best possible odds for your selection in a game or race.
There is no escaping the fact that welcome offers can be staggeringly generous as operators attempt to persuade you to become a customer. Why not take advantage of several such bonuses? You could be playing with the operators' money on a host of events for quite some time as a result.
You may find that you like one's treatment of traditional American sports - but also want to wager on European hockey, which isn't carried by that operator. By shopping around, you can be sure of getting access to the sports you want - and, but extension, to all the different types of bets there are when you are looking to get involved with the big action.
Beyond all the measurable factors that dictate which is right for you, you simply have to feel at home. This can be a question of design, or navigation, or even the tone of voice used on the website or app. It's a bit like trying on several hats in a shop; once you have found the right one, you know it's right for you.
It's important to know that there are occasions when rules on wagers differ between Mississippi sports betting sites. For instance, there may be a minimum price on your initial risk-free bet at one operator, but not another. Similarly, the minimum number of selections in your parlay for parlay insurance to apply may vary between sportsbooks. Be sure you check these out.
What types of bets can you expect to find and enjoy at online and retail betting sites in Mississippi and elsewhere? Here is a guide to the various methods of wagering on sports events.
The simplest way of betting on a game, is which side do you think will win? If the Memphis Grizzlies are favored to prevail in their next NBA game, and their odds are -150, you win $100 for every $150 you stake. But if they are the outsiders at +140, you win $140 for every $100 you put down.
A parlay is a multiple bet. You can combine several selections with a single stake, and as each of your picks wins, the return rolls over onto the next in line. On the plus side, if all your selections are correct, you could receive a fantastic return. On the negative side, though, if just one of them is unsuccessful your bet is worth nothing.
Within each game, there are certain outcomes that are measured in totals. The easiest example is the combined number of points, goals or runs both teams will score. An operator might put up a total of 200 for the points in the New Orleans Pelicans' next game; if you think there will be more, you bet on the "over" and if you are sure there will be fewer, you wager on the "under".
These are incredibly popular with sports fans. A spread is effectively a handicap; for instance, an operator may feel the New Orleans Saints will win their next NFL game by at least six points and give their opponents that start, with the odds about both teams roughly equal. If you think the Saints will win by seven or more, you bet accordingly and hope they "cover the spread".
While most betting markets relate to events taking place today or tomorrow, you can look further ahead. If you feel, for instance, that the St Louis Blues will win next season's Stanley Cup Finals, you should be able to find such a wager available in the NHL section of a good MS sports betting app and site and put your money down well in advance.
There are numerous ways to enjoy wagers that have nothing to do with the overall result of a game. These are called proposition bets, and they can relate to a player's performance or a team's. It could be the first scorer, the number of points in the first period, the team to lead at half-time; check out the list of props on a big game and you may be surprised how long it is.
Modern digital technology enables sportsbooks to update odds instantly. One of the side-effects of this is that they can continue to take wagers even after an event has started. Increasing numbers of bettors enjoy the challenge of placing a bet during a game - this is one of those moments when a quick user interface is a key consideration.
Some wagers are prohibited in all states. For instance, no licensed US sportsbook is allowed to offer markets on political events, including elections. In some areas, there are restrictions on college events. You may be unable to bet on your local college team at all, or there may be limits on live bets or props relating to a player's performance. Always check which bets are prohibited.
While we wait to see if any future sports betting bills are successful in bringing legal online sports betting to Mississippi, are there any other options? The stringency of the gambling laws in the Magnolia State ensures there are very few ways of gambling outside the many casinos here.
Daily Fantasy Sports were legalized in Mississippi under the fantasy sports bill of 2017 which also opened the door to retail sports betting a year later. As a result, Mississippi fantasy sites are permitted to operate here. Leading providers FanDuel and DraftKings are among the companies that offer games to players here.
There are no horse racing tracks in Mississippi - and, unlike in many other states where racing stands apart from other sports - no licensed websites where you can bet on races elsewhere. The only option for horse racing betting fans is to visit a licensed casino property, where you can place pari-mutuel bets.
As in the rest of the USA, no sportsbook in Mississippi - either online in the future or at a casino resort at present - is allowed to offer markets on political events, including elections.
In some states, bettors are allowed to wager on events such as the Academy Awards, the Grammys and other cultural happenings such as TV reality shows. It seems unlikely that even the best sportsbooks in Mississippi will be allowed to offer such bets.
Wagering on eSports has become increasingly popular in recent years. Many states where sports betting is legal to have relaxed restrictions to allow wagering on such events. It remains to be seen whether or not online betting sites in Mississippi will be allowed to offer eSports bets.
The current retail-only sports betting market in Mississippi generates more revenue than any other of its kind in the USA. The figures for 2021 show a total handle of $741million, sports betting revenue of $78million and a contribution to the state's tax coffers of $9.4million.
These are impressive numbers - but they are likely to be dwarfed by the figures from neighboring states that have recently passed their own sports betting laws. In Louisiana and Tennessee, for instance, the likely handle and tax revenue may focus minds in the Magnolia State around the viability - and desirability - of Mississippi online sports betting.
All forms of gambling in the state are administered and regulated by the Mississippi Gaming Commission. This includes riverboat and land-based casinos, their retail sportsbooks, betting kiosks and any future online betting sites - including the one launched by BetMGM. The commission's headquarters are in Jackson.
In states where sports betting is legal, many sports teams have entered into lucrative partnerships with leading gambling companies. These relationships are beneficial to both parties.
For instance, in 2020 the Tennessee Titans became the first team in the state to enter into such a partnership when it named BetMGM as an official partner. In October 2021, the Nashville Predators entered into a similar agreement with the Bally's Corporation. Similar deals are being done in Louisiana, where the New Orleans Pelicans announced a partnership with BetRivers in February 2022. In 2021, Louisiana State University unveiled Caesars as the official betting partner of its athletics program - it is still rare for a college to enter into such an arrangement.
The best online operators that offer sports betting facilities ensure that they make it as easy as possible for their customers to deposit funds in their accounts. They do this by providing a variety of banking methods so that it is easy for people to invest money for wagering purposes - and to withdraw any winnings.
For instance, BetMGM, the only operator allowed to accept sports wagers online in Mississippi - albeit from customers located at a casino resort - offers a host of options in the states where it is licensed. These may include:
Clearly, any rivals that enter the market at a later date will have to offer a similarly broad range of options to be competitive.
Mississippi presents an interesting point of comparison with states where online betting sites have been legalized. The market in the Magnolia State is effectively retail-only. There are about two dozen retail sportsbooks in the state, but only one online - and the crucial consideration is that you have to be present at a casino to place an online bet.
This is clearly a far less liberated industry than you find in many other states. The fact that neighboring states such as Louisiana and Tennessee have embraced online sports betting means that the comparison will only become more intriguing.
It is virtually inevitable that the size of the handle - and tax revenue - in those states will dwarf those of Mississippi. That will surely in turn sharpen the focus among those MS legislators who are in favor of permitting online sports betting market that covers the whole state and not just casino premises.
There are many reasons why people enjoy visiting a casino or other licensed retail premises to place a sports wager. Similarly, there are also those who will insist that nothing compares to the experience of being able to bet on your mobile. Let's look at the pros and cons of both.
There is some irony in the fact that Mississippi was one of the first states to push forward with legalized sports betting in the wake of the repeal of PASPA - and yet it now trails dozens of other states that have a fully-fledged licensed online market.
You can place a bet in the Magnolia State - but you have to be at one of the Mississippi casinos that take sports bets. There are some very good sports betting apps and sites available, such as FanDuel at the IP Casino and DraftKings at the Scarlet Pearl.
But if you want to place an online sports bet, your only option is BetMGM - and you have to be at one of its properties such as the Beau Rivage Casino Resort, or the Gold Strike Casino Resort, to be able to do so.
It will be fascinating to see how the immediate future of the Mississippi sports betting industry develops. It is extraordinary to think that it was at long ago as 2014 that the state set up an internet gaming task force to investigate the viability of online sports betting - and yet there is no prospect of mobile betting taking place here before 2023.
The Mississippi retail-only model is impressive in its own right, and there are some excellent sportsbooks to get enjoyed on casino premises. But the impact of online sports betting in neighboring states will surely provoke a reaction in the Magnolia State, not least if it impacts casino revenues here. We suggest you follow us closely as we monitor developments.
All leading sportsbooks now accept the need to encourage responsible gambling at all times. While for most of us this is a light-hearted and relaxing activity, some people encounter serious problems as they lose control of their wagering and slide into addiction.
As well as the extensive advice and resources supplied on all good betting sites, there are organizations in Mississippi that offer help and practical support. One such is the Mississippi Council on Problem and Compulsive Gambling.
Yes, it is and has been since 2018. There are about two dozen retail sportsbooks in operation. However, the online wagering market here is virtually non-existent. You have to be on casino premises to use a sports betting app, and the only such sportsbook to launch so far is BetMGM, which went live in September 2021.
If you want to place a sports bet in Mississippi, you will need to be at least 21 years old. This is the minimum age you need to be to enjoy casino gaming in Mississippi - and these are the only premises where licensed sports betting takes place in the Magnolia State.
If you enjoy a big win at a Mississippi sportsbook, 25 percent of your return will be withheld by the sportsbook against your federal tax return. You will also have to pay a three per cent state tax. Operators pay a 12 percent tax on their revenues.
There are about two dozen casinos across Mississippi that have launched retail sportsbooks since the law was changed to permit this activity in 2018. However, you can wager online only if you are at a casino - and BetMGM is the only online operator in action so far.
No, you will not need to be a resident of Mississippi. However, you will have to be present at a Mississippi casino to place a wager. If the market expands in the future, you will need to be within state lines to be allowed to place a mobile wager.
As things stand, retail premises such as casinos are authorized to provide sports betting facilities. About two dozen locations have done so, and many have partnered with leading operators to offer an excellent retail sportsbook at their locations.
Retail sports betting in Mississippi launched in 2018 - but it is not yet known when fully online sports betting market available across the Magnolia State might come into being. Following the failure of four bills in early 2022, the earliest date when this might happen is 2023.
Author
Martin Booth is an award-winning contributor covering sports betting and casino gaming around the world for decades, Martin is one of the most trusted voices in online gambling, from legislative updates to breaking down the top betting apps in various states.
